Why do an Apprenticeship?

Getting into the creative industries can be challenging and competitive – but, if you're keen to gain on-the-job experience, an Apprenticeship can be a great way in. You can develop your skills, experience and contacts – learning while you're earning.

When you’ve successfully completed your Apprenticeship you get a certificate confirming your work-related skills and abilities. Your employer may offer you an ongoing role or you could use your experience to find another job or continue your learning.

What types of creative industry Apprenticeships are there?

Creative industry Apprenticeships cover areas such as broadcast production and broadcast engineering, animation and VFX, and costume, hair and make-up. These Apprenticeships fall under the following groups:

If you’re interested in creative, cultural and design Apprenticeships – in areas such as theatre lighting, sound and stage or fashion studios – visit the Creative and Cultural Skills website. Apprenticeships are also available in areas such as business administration and accountancy. Search through a full list of Apprenticeships here.

As with educational qualifications there are different levels of Apprenticeships – so you can find one that suits you:

Level 2 – equivalent to 5 GCSE passes at grades A* to C

Level 3 – equivalent to 2 A-level passes

Level 4 and 5 – equivalent to a Foundation degree and above

Level 6 and 7 – equivalent to a Bachelor’s or Master’s degree

Who can apply?

Apprenticeships have different entry requirements, but you must be aged 16 or overand not in full-time education (England only. Find out about Northern Ireland, Scotland and Wales). If you haven’t got good GCSE grades in Maths and English you may need to take a literacy and numeracy test.

But don’t be put off! Employers are more interested in your skills, enthusiasm and commitment than your qualifications. They look for genuine interest in the Apprentice role along with strong communication skills, creativity and the ability to work well as part of a team.

You could attend one of Creative Skillset’s Open Doors events to get a taste of what it’s like to work in the creative industries, while our Career Kickstarter matches enthusiastic people with creative media jobs.

You could consider gaining a 'Skills Passport' which provides evidence of your skills and experience when you’re applying for creative industry roles. Find out more about the Production Safety Passport here.